COVER STORY ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
software for the optimal sizing of actuators for overall compressed air usage reduction. Downsizing actuator sizes, tubing diameter and length and optimising the pressure for forward and return strokes can reduce air consumption of a machine by 40%. Electrically, optimisation
on valve terminals is a matter for machine builders of familiarity, cost and flexibility. The requirement for controls familiarity comes from the need for the software writers and commissioning engineers to be able to quickly and error free integrate the new terminals into the overall machine. For end-user OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) this familiarity extends to service and maintenance functions for fast error detection and advanced diagnostics.
FESTO [AP] AUTOMATION PLATFORM How machine builders connect between their control system (the brains) and their machine level, sensors and actuators is critical and where they can make their biggest savings or create some of their biggest issues and losses. Therefore, as the VTUX valve terminals were under development, in close co-ordination the electrical and controls team were developing the new electrical connectivity product range called Festo AP, short for Automation Platform. This form of connectivity provides a lower
cost, but fast and powerful connection technology for the last few metres on a machine. It seamlessly collaborates with IO-link or Ethernet technologies providing cross-protocol connectivity and transparency. Simple, intuitive function blocks and integrated documentation
AP system topology can be flexibly
arranged to suit the physical machine layout and its control architecture. This lowers the cost compared with using multiple field bus nodes and yet is still easy to address and completely transparent within the PLC software.
Key features of the new VTUX Valve Terminal
provide essential time-savers. Festo AP addresses key the needs of both serial and special purpose machine builders enabling them to meet their customers’ specification and if needed, change PLC manufacturers whilst retaining up to 90% of the remote IO [RIO] field and cabinet level components. This dramatic reduction in work to change between PLCs makes it easier, and lower cost, to support a range of machines and create a range of machines based on common technology and components. The AP system delivers interconnecting, modular, decentralised IOs on a scalable, flexible, and powerful communication backplane. It provides robust, modular RIO components that can be field, or cabinet mounted, alone or in combination. The system uses a single header field bus module which is networked to a broad range of input, output, and pneumatic solenoid valve terminals.
AUTOMATION SUITE SOFTWARE Users can specify all the components they need and transfer their configurations into their programming environment using the free Festo Automation Suite. IO module connections are made using pre-formed, plug-in cables, again saving time and cost. IO-Link is incorporated within the system, enabling users to make full use of its component parametrisation and
data collection capabilities.
Modular and expandable electrics and pneumatics
PNEUMATICS AND ELECTRICS UNIFIED The new VTUX valve terminal and the AP connectivity platform provides machine builders with the opportunity to save considerable costs and increase their machines’ performance whether they are used individually, or most
powerfully, when combined. New components and features are being added to the range every month and visitors to Festo’s Northampton site or forthcoming exhibition stands will see the latest releases and gain a glimpse of near-future rollouts.
Festo
T: 0800 626422
info.gb@
festo.com
www.festo.com/vtux-highlights
FESTO AP CONNECTIVITY SYSTEM:
Performance: Up to 79 devices with 50m between modules, Real Time Connectivity (200 MBaud data rate, cycle time down to 15 µs), control and data handling, host systems include Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet IP, Modbus TCP, TSN and in preparation CC-Link IE Field Basic
Flexibility: flexible decentralised or localised modular remote IO. Cloud and Edge compatible with MQTT and OPC-UA
Cost: reduced component complexity and costs. NOVEMBER 2024 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 13
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